Tag: advice

At the beginning of this year, pre-book launch, I was a typical working mom. I took the oldest to the bus stop, dropped the youngest off at my mom’s to go to pre-school, then it was off to work my self. On the way home I’d pick them up at mom’s go home make dinner we’d play a bit, bath and bed. After the kids were asleep I could clean the house then do what I wanted. All of this is assuming I worked the morning shift, evening shifts are a different matter, but you get the picture. My To Do list was always short, sometimes it was pay the bills, or call the insurance company, or get the oil changed, annoying things that only I could do because my husband works 16 hour days sometimes.

Post book launch my To Do list never ends. I never seem to have enough time to do anything. I have books to read, novels blogs and short stories to write, my novels to promote and get reviewed etc. Added to that are my typical wifely and motherly duties. My friends and co-workers have no clue everything on that list of mine. I showed one yesterday and she couldn’t believe my list of books to read. I can’t help it, I hate turning authors away, although I do. I know it sounds like I’m complaining; I’m really not. I just never imagined how much my life would change by publishing a book, well three now.

I wonder sometimes if I’m a little crazy. I hope it’s all worth it. I never intended to be a full time writer, although it would be nice. When I started this I wanted people to read the writing dedicated to my lost father. I wanted to make them happy. I won’t lie I think most authors dream of being the next J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin and I’m no exception. Really I’d be happy for consistent sales at this point.

If anyone wants to help lighten my or any authors’ To Do list review their book. It will be one less thing for them to cross off their list everyday.

Review requests may seem like a tedious and pointless exercise but they are essential to getting reviews. Let me explain why. Even as a new reviewer I get several requests for reviews everyday. Right now four or five requests isn’t a lot and by any means overwhelming. However, I am not a full time blogger or reviewer. I have a full time job, two kids and writing of my own to do. I review books to build brand awareness and help out fellow authors.

When I get a request I don’t want to do the work. I want all the information right there in the email I received. If there is additional content you think might interest a reviewer include a link; never rely on that for all your content and descriptions. If I am busy I won’t click it. If I have a lot of requests I won’t click it.

Unfortunately reviews like everything else today is a numbers game. Your request is easily lost in the crowd. Make your request stand out. Tell the reviewer (briefly) why you are a writer or why you wrote your novel, something, anything, (relevant) to grab their attention and make you stand out.

The other thing to keep in mind is to research your reviewer. Pay attention to their preferred genres so you aren’t wasting everyone’s time. If the reviewer says they will consider books outside their genre you should send reasons in your query to convince the reviewer to try your book. Unfortunately, your book is a harder sell than the others. You should also remember if a reviewer typically reviews fiction they probably aren’t your best bet for a non-fiction review unless they specifically list it in their preferences.

I face the same problems every other does. I send out requests and never hear back. Assume if you don’t the answer is either no or not yet. Be patient and wait. Search Goodreads and other internet forums for other sources but never give up. In this blog entry I have included a bad example of a request as well as a sample letter of what I send out.

Not so good:

I found your name on a book review website and am looking for feedback on my YA fantasy. You seemed to like that genre and was wondering if you would like to read it?

What I sent out:

Name,

I am an indie author requesting a review of my second book “For Their Sins”. It is a paranormal fantasy that has a slightly different twist on vampires. It is told from a first person perspective and covers the life of one 300 year old vampire. It was a fun project and a great stretch of the imagination. The ebook format is 428 pages long. It is also available in paperback and I would be happy to send it in what ever format you desire. The link to the Amazon listing for further content and cover is listed here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716SVRDS The summary is below.

Alexandria Diego never wanted to be special. She was content to lay in bed with her lover forever. One decision will change everything. Suddenly, Alexandria is launched into a life of infamy, which carries a heavy burden that only she can bear. When a vicious war between her people, the Venandi, and their rivals, the Mordere, breaks out it forces Alexandria to change her tactics and be more cautious. But, when her love is captured by the enemy, Alexandria risks everything to get him back.

It does contain some mature content.

I would love for you to read it and hope that you enjoy it. Please let me know if you are interested.

Thanks

R. Tran

I would be happy to answer questions or offer any advice I can. I haven’t been an author long and I’ve had to learn everything as I go. I would be happy for any advice that others can offer me as well.

Additional Links

All books and additional content are available at http://www. Rtranbooks.com
The Rashade is availabe for sale directly http://amzn.to/2rdFVIt
For Their sins is available for sale directly http://amzn.to/2rew31Q or http://amzn.to/2pxfgKf